Human rights chief queries Nauru

The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has questioned the use of tents to house asylum seekers on Nauru and a lack of clarity over legal rights.

AHRC president Gillian Triggs says the commission "has serious concerns that the human rights of asylum seekers sent to Nauru will not be adequately protected".

Thirty Sri Lankan men arrived by plane on Nauru on Friday morning - the first people to be processed offshore since the Rudd government closed the facility in 2008.

Prof Triggs said it was not yet clear whether the arrangements were in line with Australia's human rights obligations.

"There is no information as to how prepared Nauru is to process the claims and it is unclear whether those transferred to Nauru will have access to legal advice," Prof Triggs said in a statement on Friday.

"And of course, the question still remains as to whether or not Nauru is able to provide effective protection to asylum seekers transferred there."

She said she was also concerned about Immigration Minister Chris Bowen's comment that even if the Nauru decision was inconsistent with Australia's international obligations, it was in the "national interest" to reopen the facility.

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The commission said the immigration department needed to conduct a "risk and vulnerability assessment" for every person sent to Nauru.

Prof Triggs said the commission was "unconvinced" that tents and other facilities on Nauru would cope with the weather and temperature variations, as well as the needs of women and children and people who have experienced torture and trauma.